Awards

Awards

Roanoke shares with and Worcester, MA, the distinction of winning an All America City Award five times, the latest in 1996.
Inc. magazine named the Roanoke Valley one of the US's top 100 hot spots for business development in several articles, including this one.
Parenting magazine chose Roanoke as one of the ten best places to raise a family in the US.
Population Connection honored Roanoke as one of the ten least stressful areas in the US.
The Department of Education has recognized Roanoke valley schools among the nation's best.
A University of Kentucky study ranked Roanoke's quality of life among the top 20 nationally.
Roanoke was rated as one of the top 10 healthiest places in the US by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
The historic Roanoke City Farmer's Market was designated as one of 63 of America's Great Public Places by Urban Initiatives, a New York urban design and architectural organization. The list also included 's Central Park, 's French Quarter, 's Vietnam War Memorial, and 's Golden Gate Park.
The National Association of Home Builders cited Roanoke as the most affordable housing market in .
In 1996, the Urban Land Institute Award for best public-private venture in the nation was given to the .
The spring 1997 issue of Southern Business & Development magazine ranked mid-size and small markets by the number of economic development announcements creating at least 100 jobs. The period covered was 1994 through 1997. In its size market, Roanoke ranked as number 10 in the nation!
Sales and Marketing Management magazine's January 1998 issue listed Roanoke as one of the twenty (20) hottest domestic markets in which to do business in 1998. The area was listed at number 10 in the nation because it ranked as number six (6) in total business BPI (Buying Power Index), number 17 in sales opportunity index and number 23 in high-tech BPI. The article said, "With its low cost of doing business, Roanoke has become a popular market. In the past five years there have been 49 corporate expansions and relocations, representing a $406 million investment in the economy and almost 6,300 jobs."
In Money magazine's twelfth annual Best Places to Live survey, Roanoke was chosen the third best small southern city in which to live.
Sales and Marketing Management magazine's April 1999 issue listed Roanoke as one of the twenty (20) hottest domestic markets in which to do business in 1999. The magazine predicted retail sales would grow 26% and effective buying income would increase 21% by 2002.
Roanoke ranked first of all metropolitan areas in Virginia in real per capita personal income in a study released on May 3, 1999. Gilbert R Yochum and Vinod B Agarwal, both professors of economics at Old Dominion University, used cost of living indices to produce real income figures. The Roanoke MSA ranked eleventh in the nation.
was awarded the National Pinnacle Award for outstanding meeting facility by Successful Meetings magazine in 1999.
has been recognized as the top downtown economic development project in the world by the International Downtown Association (IDA). This award, announced October 4, 1999, honors the impact has had in the transformation of downtown Roanoke.
According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the city of Roanoke is ranked 14th nationally in the number of telecommunications equipment and service jobs in emerging firms.
Expansion Management magazine's January 2001 issue ranked Roanoke as one of its "50 hottest cities for business relocation and expansion" of manufacturing companies. It ranked 25th.
In the 5th Edition of the Retirement Places Rated Almanac, Roanoke rated as the second-best metro area in the country to retire in, based on climate, cost of living, health care, and a low crime rate.
The Science Museum of Western Virginia has been awarded the highest honor a museum can receive, an accreditation by the American Association of Museums.
Verizon's Dickens of a Christmas Festival in downtown Roanoke has been selected as one of Southeast Tourism Society's top events.
The Virginia Downtown Development Association presented a statewide "Award of Excellence" for outstanding achievement in downtown revitalization to for its renovation of the Shenandoah Hotel.
In November 2001, the Center for Digital Government named Roanoke the top e-government city in the US in the 75,000 to 125,000 population category. The city scored 91.7 out of a 100, receiving high marks for its Web site, online job search and application process, and its "robust" public-safety program.
Expansion Management magazine's January 2002 issue ranked Roanoke as one of its "50 hottest cities for business relocation and expansion" of manufacturing companies. It ranked 43rd.
The redevelopment of the northern portion of downtown, including , Eight Jefferson Place, the , the Passenger Rail Station and Gainsboro Garage, was selected as one of the "Five Best Real Estate Projects in Virginia" by Virginia Business magazine.
received the National Quality Health Care Award from the National Committee for Quality Health Care, meaning the health system is one of the best in the US.
Money magazine, in its May 8, 2002, issue, chose Roanoke as one of its best places to retire, stating it has "southern charm with all four seasons in a setting that attracts even Floridian retirees back north".
The , the , and the O. Winston Link Museum were chosen by the April 2002 issue of Virginia Business magazine as one of "The Year's Best and Most Significant Real Estate Projects of 2001".
In November 2002, the Center for Digital Government once again named Roanoke the top e-government city in the US in the 75,000 to 125,000 population category.
The Jefferson Center Foundation received the 2002 Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects' Award for Preservation. "Careful preservation of [Shaftman] hall's architectural integrity and transformation of an abandoned high school auditorium into a state-of-the-art performance hall" were cited as significant.
The Mill Mountain Discovery Center received the 2002 Virginia Recreation & Park Society's best new facility award for a building in a city with a population between 50,001 and 100,000.
Downtown Roanoke has been recognized by Southern Business & Development magazine as one of the best downtowns in the south. The article states Roanoke has "the right balance. It is a great place to visit and a great place to live. Long a hub for commerce, business and entertainment, the 65-block area is well on its way to becoming a 24-hour downtown where you'll find something to do anytime."
Expansion Management magazine's January 2003 issue ranked Roanoke as one of the "50 hottest cities for manufacturing expansions and relocations". The area had moved up to number 29 from number 43 in 2002.
The National Capital Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has named the Crystal Spring Filtration Plant as Project of the Year under the $10 million construction value. The project was selected in part for being completed on time and under budget with less than 3% change orders.
The February issue of Expansion Management magazine ranked Roanoke as the fourth best metropolitan area in the country for health care. This ranking was based on the cost, quality and availability of health care in more than 300 US metropolitan areas.
The US Conference of Mayors awarded Roanoke an Outstanding Livability Award for 2003 to recognize its "Every Drop Counts" education program during the drought of 2001-2002.
The Roanoke Valley Greenway Commission, with members from the City of Roanoke, , , and , was named the top organization in the 2003 Environmental Stewardship Awards. The award came from and the Virginia Petroleum Council.
The Police Department placed first in the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge program and third in the International Association of Chiefs of Police National Chief's Challenge Program for 2002. Three major traffic safety priorities were targeted: occupant protection, imparied driving and speed.
The Roanoke Valley has earned a Four-Star rating in Expansion Management magazine's fifth annual Quality of Life Quotient for May 2003. The rating was based on a reasonable cost of living, affordable housing, low crime, excellent transportation access, good public schools, proximity to community colleges and universities, an educated work force, and low taxes.
The Crystal Spring Filtration Plant has won the 2003 Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association in the $2 to $10 million category.
Roanoke Citizen has won the 2003 Savvy Award (first place) in the Newsletter/Magazine category bestowed by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association, while the "Every Drop Counts" water campaign won the Silver Circle Award (second place) for Best Communications Plan.
Once again, for the third year in a row, the Center for Digital Government has chosen Roanoke as the top digital city in its population category of 75,000 to 124,999. Roanoke is the only city to rank first for three years in a row. Not only was the city recognized for its citizen friendly web site, but also for offering free downtown wireless Internet service and regional public access kiosks.
The National League of Cities and the CH2M Hill Company sponsor the James C Howland Awards for Urban Enrichment. The 2003 James C Howland Silver Winner in the 50,001 - 150,000 population category was Roanoke's "Every Drop Counts" water conservation education campaign.
Expansion Magazine's January 3, 2004, issue named Roanoke as one of the fifty hottest cities for expansions and relocations. It ranked at number 37.
Roanoke was ranked 39 of 276 metropolitan areas by Inc. Magazine's March 2004 Top 25 Cities for Doing Business in America in the Most Balanced Economy and Growth category.
In the publication, Cities Ranked and Rated for 2004, Roanoke was listed at 11th in the nation. When asked, the authors stated, these areas have favorable business climates, leading to favorable economic cirumstances for their residents. They are physically attractive and have good climates. They also tend to be socially and politically progressive, considerate of their futures but also of their past. All of these things work together to create an environment conducive to better living.
The city of Roanoke's manager, Darlene Burcham, was recognized as a "Top 25 Doer, Dreamer and Driver" by Government Technology Magazine. The people selected "implemented innovative ideas that improved citizen services and public safety - and they did so with cost-effectiveness demanded by current budget realities".
Doubletree Hotels awarded the its top award for Number One Property in the brand in the country. The hotel also won the Care Cup award (2003), certifying the property as number one in customer feedback, and a Pride Award (2000-2004) as well as a Circle of Excellence Award (1999-2004).
For nine years in a row, Roanoke has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Partners for Livable Communities, a nonprofit leadership organization, honored Roanoke as one of America's most livable cities for striking a "careful balance" between business development and the natural environment. Cited in the award were the planned as one of America's most livable cities for striking a "careful balance" between business development and the natural environment. Cited in the award were the planned Riverside Centre for Research & Technology, the Warehouse Row technology center, the , the Warehouse Row technology center, the O. Winston Link Museum and the plans for a new art museum.
The restoration of the bell tower and front facade of Fire Station #1 has been selected as one of the American Public Works Association's (APWA) Projects of the Year 2004 in the historic preservation category.
The Hilton Hotels Connie Award was given to the in 2003.
The National Citizens Police Academy Association (NCPAA) named the Roanoke Police Department Citizen Police Academy the 2004 Agency of the Year.
The New Century Venture Center was named the recipient of the National Business Incubation Association's 2004 Randall M Whaley International Incubator of the Year Award.
Roanoke Citizen, the city's magazine, has won the Savvy Award, first place, in the newsletter/magazine category from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA).
Expansion Management magazine's July 2004 Second Annual Mayor's Challenge for site selectors choosing a location ranked the Roanoke Valley as 40th in the nation overall in its six major categories of public education, college-educated work force, health care costs and availability, quality of life, logistics infrastructure and government taxes and spending.
The Center for Digital Government's 2004 Digital Cities Survey named Roanoke the fifth most efficient city in using technology to serve citizens.
The Roanoke MSA was named one of Expansion Management magazine's "America's 50 Hottest Cities" for manufacturing for the fifth time. Business climate, work force quality, operating costs, incentive programs, among others, were considered.
The DiRoNa Award for one of the best international restaurants in the world has been given to the Regency Room at the every year from 2002 to 2005.
The Center for Digital Government has chosen Roanoke as the top digital city in its population category of 75,000 to 124,999 for the fourth time out of five years. The city was recognized for its citizen friendly web site and offering free downtown wireless Internet service.
Business Facilities magazine, in its November 2005 issue, named Roanoke, Virginia, as a High-Tech Haven, meaning a location with the necessary tools to help a high-tech company prosper.
The city of Roanoke received an overall rating of 100 out of 100 for the implementation of its Lead Hazard Control program during the period of July through September 2005. This rating was received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control.
On September 22, 2005, Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced the Blue Ridge Parkway would be an All-American Road and Nation Scenic Byway, joining the America's Byways (tm) collection.
Delicious Living magazine selected Roanoke as a 2006 impressive city for its environmental friendliness. Specifically mentioned were the city's efforts to revitalize its neighborhoods through programs such as Southeast by Design, its encouragement of environment-friendly architecture, and its C2C competition for the latest in green-building design.
The Roanoke Times was first in the country among the 106 largest MSAs in percentage of total adults in its area reading a newspaper on weekdays, according to Scarborough's "Ranker Report". The newspaper ranked tenth (10th) in the country for the percentage of adults reading an average Sunday issue.
For fiscal year 2005-2006, the total value of construction in the city was $318,566,047.19, a new record. This amount was 67.96% more than fiscal year 2004-2005, when the total was $189,669,636.14.
The Roanoke metro area was given Expansion Management magazine's highest ranking, 5 stars, for the overall quality of the area's public schools in May 2006.
In June 2006, the Roanoke MSA was awarded 5 stars for its quality of life by Expansion Management magazine.
Expansion Management's 2006 Mayor's Challenge named Roanoke as one of its 4-Star Business Opportunities Metros in August 2006.
Parks and Recreation's Youth Services has been awarded the 2006 State Neighborhood Youth Group Effort of the Year Award at the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference for its work on the city's first Comprehensive Youth Plan. The plan's goal is for Roanoke youth to thrive, and encourages all Roanoke citizens and organizations touching youths' lives to take ownership and commit to the spirit, focus areas and actions it defines.
was named the Best State for Business by Forbes.com in the US. ranked in the top ten in all six major categories including business costs, economic climate, growth prospects, labor, quality of life and regulatory environment. No other state scored in the top ten in more than three categories.
The Roanoke metro was named a four-star logistics metro by Expansion Management magazine for its transportation network in October 2006.
For the fifth time in six years, the Center for Digital Government has named the City of Roanoke as a Top Digital City. For 2006, Roanoke tied with Ogden City, Utah, in its population category.
Expansion Management magazine's February 2007 issue named Roanoke one of its 50 Hottest Cities for attracting expanding companies in the US for the sixth time.
According to a 2007 study conducted by Dr. Ronald Pollina, an economist, the Commonwealth of Virginia holds the number one ranking among "Pro-Business States." The study covered 28 factors, including taxes, human resources, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, worker compensation and jobs gained or lost.
The received the prestigious Doubletree Pride Award in March 2007 for outstanding performance in 2006. The award is based on physical condition, cleanliness, brand compliance, guest satisfaction, guest loyalty, and 12 key service indicators.
Roanoke has been rated in the top five areas nationwide for retirees, according to the 2007 Best Cities report published in Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.
According to an analysis by the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center published in Education Week, Virginia children are more likely to experience success throughout life than the average child born in the US. Virginia ranked first after 13 indicators, from a child's family income to adult educational achievement, were considered.
Two awards were received by City of Roanoke neighborhood organizations at the 2007 Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference. Old Southwest, Inc won Organization of the Year and The Hurt Park Healthy Living Program won Project of the Year Award.
Once again, the Center for Digital Government has named the City of Roanoke a Leading Digital City. Roanoke ranked second in the nation for 2007 in its population category of 75,000 to 124,999.
In October 2008, the City of Roanoke, cited for its adoption of plans for reducing the carbon emissions through energy-efficiency policies, "green" buildings, waste-management, educational programs and other measures, placed first in the Virginia Municipal League's inaugural Green Government Challenge for communities with a population of more than 90,000.
The City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department has been nationally accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The award was received on Oct. 14 at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2008 Congress and Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Center for Digital Government has named the City of Roanoke the Top Digital City in the US for its population category of 75,000 to 124,999. This designation represents the sixth time the city has been so honored. Roanoke's Geographic Information Systems (GIS), use of technology within public safety applications, and infrastructure capacity stood out among the competing municipalities.
Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center received a Best of the South award, given to hotels based on quality of meeting space, guest rooms, service, food, beverages and activities, from readers of Meetings South.
The City received national recognation by the White House and Advisory Council for Historic Preservation as a "Preserve America Community" in 2008.